Scoreless draw enough to see Cork crowned champions

Despite drawing 0-0 with Wexford at Turner's Cross, Cork City secured their place back in the top flight of Irish football as they claimed the SSE Airtricity First Division title following Galway United’s defeat to Athlone Town. Colin Healy, who was serving the second of his three-game touchline ban, made just the one change from his side that was beaten 2-1 by Galway United in their last outing three weeks ago as Jimmy Corcoran replaced the injured David Harrington in goal.

Due to what the club described as "late arrival and crowd congestion" the game started ten minutes later than planned. It wasn’t until the 10th minute that City created their first meaningful chance in front of a raucous crowd of 6,035 as Barry Coffey saw his lopping header by Alex Moody before the number 10 then drilled an effort just wide of the target.

But the Rebel Army knew Wexford were going to be a tough opponent given that they only won their two away meetings at Ferrycarrig Park 1-0 while their last encounter here ended 1-1 back in May. Wexford boss Ian Ryan also made just the one alteration from his side that began their game last Friday with Jack Doherty coming in for Thomas Considine, who dropped to the substitute’s bench.

And they almost took the lead in the 16th minute but Doherty’s shot from distance delfected just over the target. But in truth, the game was dominated by City but they came up against an inspired Alex Moody who made three incredible saves to deny Cian Murphy and captain Cian Coleman twice from close-range midway through the first half.